The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mid-Atlantic Region (EPA) has reached a settlement with Cunningham Energy, LLC (Cunningham) and its parent company, Houston Natural Resources Corp (HNRC), over alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the West Virginia State Implementation Plan. These violations are associated with two Cunningham oil and gas well pads located at Shelton Road in Bomont, West Virginia.
The consent agreement and final order mandate that Cunningham and HNRC pay a penalty of $742,737 plus accrued interest, totaling $764,274. According to the agreement filed on June 28, 2024 (Docket No. CAA-03-2024-0119), Cunningham failed to comply with permitting requirements and did not properly control, monitor, or report emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) at its Bomont facilities.
Releases of these compounds contribute to smog and ground-level ozone. Elevated levels of ozone can harm human health, particularly on hot sunny days when it can reach unhealthy levels. Ozone exposure can also affect sensitive vegetation and ecosystems including forests, parks, wildlife refuges, and wilderness areas.
In May 2023, the EPA issued an Administrative Order on Consent (AOC) addressing the same violations underpinning this penalty settlement. This action supports EPA’s National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative for Mitigating Climate Change since VOC emissions indirectly contribute to climate change by increasing ozone concentration—a potent greenhouse gas.
For more information about EPA’s enforcement program, visit EPA’s enforcement website at epa.gov/enforcement.
The EPA has also launched a new ArcGIS Story Map that explores infrastructure projects in West Virginia funded by approximately $500 million invested by the agency. The tool provides insights into which communities and environmental resources benefit from these projects and how stakeholders can learn more about current EPA activities in the state.
